To last in a league where even the most successful duos struggle, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, the standout duo of the Boston Celtics, will need to accomplish more than just win games together.

In three of their first five years together, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have guided the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals.

This includes the great duo’s contribution to the most remarkable in-season comeback in NBA history the previous season when Boston moved from being 11th in the East in mid-January to being just two victories away from hoisting the banner 18 to the TD Garden rafters.

Regarding his friendship with Tatum, Brown shared the following during a sit-down interview with Shams Charania of Stadium.

We push, compete, and learn from one another, and I believe that respect is the foundation of a lot of our relationship. And that’s what makes it so lovely.”

The two-time All-Star further stated, “I’ve watched him develop into a guy. He’s watched me develop into a man. I see why, in a way, people usually attempt to split apart pairs or individuals of that nature. We’ve been really successful thus far, and perhaps we can continue to be even more successful; winning a championship would be the cherry on top.”

Fans of the Celtics should also respect Brown’s attitude in splitting the limelight with a talented wing who is predicted to place among the top five players for MVP.

“We’re a part of each other’s destiny at this point,” and “Jason being the best version of him doesn’t stop me from being the best version of myself.”

Last season, Brown, 26, scored 26.7 points and pulled down 6.8 rebounds, both career highs. He’s also averaging a steal per game and handing out 3.4 assists.

At his current career highs, Tatum, 25, is averaging 30.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. In each game, he also swipes one steal.

A significant amount of team and individual recognition has been achieved, including Boston’s team achievements, All-Star selections, Tatum’s selection to the All-NBA First Team the previous season, and Brown’s potential selection to the All-NBA team this year. Furthermore, they are just entering their peak.

But even the most successful NBA partnerships struggle to last due to a variety of factors, such as the player’s desire to be the team’s undisputed top player, what friends and family are saying in their ear, persistent calls for a divorce from the media, or persistent trade rumors.

Three seasons and two titles later, Kevin Durant left the Warriors. If he had remained healthy, they probably would have won three out of four.

After four years and two trophies, LeBron James left South Beach to take his talents. In addition, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal split after going to four consecutive NBA Finals and winning three titles apiece.

Tatum and Brown’s relationship must not just be flourishing together but also taking pleasure in each other’s accomplishments if it is to last for many years.